How much does a NASCAR driver make? The 15 highest-paid drivers ranked

How much does a NASCAR driver make? Currently, the highest-paid NASCAR driver is Kyle Busch, earning an estimated $16.9 million annually from salary, endorsements, and winnings. Other top earners include Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, who also rake in millions each year. Below is a compilation of top-earning NASCAR drivers.

Key takeaways

• Kyle Busch is the highest-paid NASCAR driver.
• A NASCAR driver’s annual salary can range between $200,000 to over $15 million per year, depending on their skill level, team, endorsements, and race performance.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. is widely regarded as the richest NASCAR driver.

How much does a NASCAR driver make a year? 15 highest-paid drivers ranked

We strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. In compiling this list of the highest-paid NASCAR drivers, information has been derived from various reputable sources, including Planet F1, Front Office Sports, and Racing News 365.

15. Ross Chastain – $2.1 million

• Full name: Ross Lee Chastain
• Date of birth: 4 December 1992
• Place of birth: Alva, Florida, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Trackhouse Racing

Ross Chastain earns around $2.1 million annually from racing and sponsorships. Known for his bold Hail Melon move at Martinsville, he attracted major attention and increased his brand value. Racing for Trackhouse Racing, the racing sports personality is quickly rising as one of NASCAR's most daring competitors.

14. Bubba Wallace – $2.2 million

• Full name: William Darrell Wallace Jr.
• Date of birth: 8 October 1993
• Place of birth: Mobile, Alabama, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: 23XI Racing

Bubba Wallace makes an estimated $2.2 million per year, bolstered by a strong endorsement portfolio. Backed by brands like DoorDash, McDonald's, and Columbia Sportswear, Wallace is one of the most marketable figures in NASCAR. Driving for 23XI Racing, he became the second Black driver to win a Cup Series race.

13. Erik Jones—$2.3 million

• Full name: Erik Benjamin Jones
• Date of birth: 30 May 1996
• Place of birth: Byron, Michigan, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Legacy Motor Club

Erik Jones earns about $2.3 million annually through salary and sponsorship deals. Driving for Legacy Motor Club, Jones benefits from support from Ally and the Air Force Recruiting Service. As a former Southern 500 winner, the racing driver has shown flashes of brilliance and remains a promising talent in the series.

12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – $3 million

• Full name: Richard Lynn Stenhouse Jr.
• Date of birth: 2 October 1987
• Place of birth: Olive Branch, Mississippi, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: JTG Daugherty Racing

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. earns close to $3 million each year, including race winnings and endorsements. He gained widespread attention with his 2023 Daytona 500 win, boosting his market value and sponsorship opportunities. Driving for JTG Daugherty Racing, Stenhouse is known for his restrictor-plate racing skills.

11. Austin Dillon – $3.5 million

• Full name: Austin Reed Dillon
• Date of birth: 27 April 1990
• Place of birth: Welcome, North Carolina, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Richard Childress Racing

Austin Dillon earns about $3.5 million annually through salary, sponsorships, and business connections. He races for Richard Childress Racing and has sponsorships with BASS Pro Shops and Dow Chemical. With a Daytona 500 win in 2018, Dillon remains a key figure in the sport’s mainstream marketing.

10. Alex Bowman – $3.5 million

• Full name: Alexander Michael Bowman
• Date of birth: 25 April 1993
• Place of birth: Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Hendrick Motorsports

Alex Bowman earns about $3.5 million per year through driving for Hendrick Motorsports and endorsement deals. His partnership with Ally Financial is one of the sport’s most visible, and he frequently appears in commercials and fan promotions. The American NASCAR driver has multiple Cup Series wins.

9. Michael McDowell – $3.7 million

• Full name: Michael Christopher McDowell
• Date of birth: 21 December 1984
• Place of birth: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Front Row Motorsports

Michael McDowell makes around $3.7 million annually through base salary, prize winnings, and sponsorship deals. Known for his surprise 2021 Daytona 500 victory, McDowell capitalised on that success to attract sponsors like Love’s Travel Stops. His consistent performance for Front Row Motorsports has earned him recognition.

8. Daniel Suárez – $4.5 million

• Full name: Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza
• Date of birth: 7 January 1992
• Place of birth: Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
• Nationality: Mexican
• Racing team: Trackhouse Racing

Daniel Suárez earns roughly $4.5 million per year, combining his salary and brand endorsements. As the first Mexican-born driver to win a Cup Series race, he brings unique marketability and sponsorships like Freeway Insurance and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Suárez drives for Trackhouse Racing.

7. Chase Elliott – $8 million

• Full name: William Clyde Elliott II
• Date of birth: 28 November 1995
• Place of birth: Dawsonville, Georgia, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Hendrick Motorsports

Chase Elliott takes home an estimated $8 million per year from driving duties and endorsements. His partnerships with NAPA Auto Parts and Mountain Dew make him a top earner off the track. The 2020 Cup Series Champion, Elliott, is one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, thanks to his family legacy and fan engagement.

6. Kyle Larson – $8 million

• Full name: Kyle Miyata Larson
• Date of birth: 31 July 1992
• Place of birth: Elk Grove, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Hendrick Motorsports

Kyle Larson earns about $8 million annually through his salary and sponsorships with HendrickCars.com and Valvoline. He’s also active in dirt track racing, where he claims additional prize money and maintains a strong presence. As the 2021 Cup Series Champion, Larson is celebrated for his versatility and raw driving talent.

5. Joey Logano – $9 million

• Full name: Joseph Thomas Logano
• Date of birth: 24 May 1990
• Place of birth: Middletown, Connecticut, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Team Penske

Joey Logano makes approximately $9 million annually through base salary and performance-based incentives. He supplements this with deals from Shell-Pennzoil and Autotrader and appearances in promotional events. As the 2018 and 2022 Cup Series Champion, Logano is a regular playoff contender.

4. Brad Keselowski – $9.4 million

• Full name: Bradley Aaron Keselowski
• Date of birth: 12 February 1984
• Place of birth: Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: RFK Racing

Brad Keselowski earns about $9.4 million per year, combining his salary as a driver and co-owner at RFK Racing. He also profits from business ventures and long-term endorsements with Discount Tire and Castrol. As the 2012 Cup Series Champion, Keselowski is known for his strategic approach and leadership on and off the track.

3. Martin Truex Jr. – $10.4 million

• Full name: Martin Lee Truex Jr.
• Date of birth: 29 June 1980
• Place of birth: Mayetta, New Jersey, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Joe Gibbs Racing

Martin Truex Jr. makes approximately $10.4 million annually, including his salary and various incentive-based bonuses. He has strong sponsorship support from Bass Pro Shops and Auto-Owners Insurance, enhancing his financial portfolio. Truex is recognised for his consistency and strong performance on intermediate tracks.

2. Denny Hamlin – $13.1 million

• Full name: James Dennis Alan Hamlin
• Date of birth: 18 November 1980
• Place of birth: Tampa, Florida, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Joe Gibbs Racing

Denny Hamlin earns an estimated $13.1 million per year from salary and performance bonuses. His business ventures include co-ownership of 23XI Racing and endorsement deals with FedEx and Jordan Brand. With more than 50 career Cup wins, Hamlin is both a veteran leader and a commercial powerhouse.

1. Kyle Busch – $16.9 million

• Full name: Kyle Thomas Busch
• Date of birth: 2 May 1985
• Place of birth: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• Nationality: American
• Racing team: Richard Childress Racing

Kyle Busch is currently one of the highest-paid drivers in NASCAR, with an annual income of $16.9 million. His earnings are bolstered by major endorsements from Monster Energy, Interstate Batteries, and his ownership of Rowdy Energy. With over 230 career wins, he remains one of the most successful figures in motorsports.

Who is the highest-paid NASCAR driver?

The highest-paid NASCAR driver is Kyle Busch, who earns approximately $16.9 million annually. This includes his base salary, race winnings, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals with companies like Monster Energy and Rowdy Energy.

What is Bubba Wallace's annual salary?

Bubba Wallace earns an estimated $2.2 million per year. His income comes from his base salary at 23XI Racing, race winnings, and a strong portfolio of endorsements with major brands.

How much does a NASCAR driver make per race?

As reported by AS, the amount of money a driver makes per race depends on the purse size. The purse size varies per race and is usually shared among the participating drivers, with the winner receiving the lion's share. The winner takes home between $1.5 million and $2 million.

How much do NASCAR drivers get paid?

NASCAR drivers can earn anywhere from $200,000 to over $15 million per year, depending on their skill level, team, endorsements, and race performance. The salary range makes it one of the highest-paying sports.

How much does a NASCAR driver make for winning a race?

According to Marca, a NASCAR driver who wins a race may receive between $2.4 million and $3 million. Note that this is an estimate, as NASCAR does not disclose the exact figures individuals are paid.

Who is the richest NASCAR driver?

While determining the absolute richest NASCAR driver is challenging, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is widely considered the richest with an alleged net worth of $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Other rich drivers include Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Busch.

How much a NASCAR driver makes annually depends on various factors, including their skill level, team, endorsements, and race performance. Currently, the highest-paid driver is Kyle Busch.

Legit.ng recently published a compilation of the highest-paid F1 drivers. The drivers earn staggering salaries, making the sport one of the most lucrative.

An F1 driver’s earnings depend on multiple factors, such as experience, performance bonuses, and sponsorships. Check out this comprehensive article on F1 drivers and their earnings.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng